# golem

/ˈɡoʊɫəm/ (US) · /ɡˈəʊləm/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/golem
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a creature made of mud or clay that is brought to life by magic. It is often used in stories to represent a powerful but simple being.

For teachers: a creature of Jewish folklore, typically made of clay or mud and animated by a magical inscription. Often used metaphorically to describe a powerful, mindless, or artificial being.

## Examples

- The golem was created to protect the village from danger.
- In many traditional tales, the golem becomes too powerful for its creator to control, leading to a tragic ending.
- The modern golem has evolved from a simple clay guardian into a complex metaphor for the dangers of creating artificial life without a soul or moral compass.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.